An overview of rotorcraft propulsion research at Lewis Research Center

Rotorcraft propulsion research at Lewis Research Center is discussed, stressing programs in four areas of component research: compressors, combustors, turbines and transmissions, and three developmental programs: the Small Turboshaft Engine Research (STER) Project, the Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission (ART) program, and the Compound Cycle Engine (CCE) program. The component research emphasizes special problems of turboshaft engines in the 5 lb/sec to 30 lb/sec range. The objectives of the STER program are to evaluate the application of advanced concepts to small turboshaft engine systems and to investigate system related phenomena, such as distortion effects and secondary flow phenomena. The goals of the ART program are to reduce transmission weight by 25 percent, noise generation by 10 dB and mean time between removal to 5,000 hrs. The CCE program is working to combine the airflow capacity and light-weight features of a gas turbine with the more efficient, but heavier diesel turbine.